New supermarket plans for Bradford & Bingley site have been shelved

7:00am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Chris Tate, T&A Reporter

The former Bradford & Bingley building The former Bradford & Bingley building

Retail giant Sainsbury’s has dropped a bombshell on Bingley by suddenly shelving plans for a desperately-needed store in Main Street.

The scheme to demolish the former Bradford & Bingley headquarters and replace it with a 40,000 sq ft superstore has now been officially put on ice until the economic climate thaws – to the anger and dismay of community leaders.

Andrew Sanderson, Sainsbury’s regional development manager said:“I can confirm that the site in Bingley is not included in our 2013/2014 construction programme.

“Since investing in Bingley with the purchase of the Bradford & Bingley Building Society offices, the economy has worsened and therefore had a serious impact on the viability of the project. We are therefore unable to include Bingley in our 2013/2014 construction programme.

“We appreciate that this will be disappointing news for many people and would like to thank again all the people who supported us with our application. This support was greatly appreciated.

“We keep the situation under regular review and will ensure that updates are available to the local community as the situation develops.”

Bingley Chamber of Trade chairman Howard Martin said many people would question if Sainsbury’s word could now be trusted He said: “It appears we’ve been led up the garden path all along. I heard this might happen two weeks ago, but when I asked Sainsbury’s, they officially denied it.”

Philip Davies, MP for Shipley, said: “It doesn’t sound good to me. It sounds to me as though they are on the verge of pulling the plug. I think there is a chance they will be abandoning any plans for a store in Bingley at that site.
“It is extremely worrying and I will be seeking a meeting with Sainsbury’s at the earliest opportunity.”

Ward Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said it was “mightily disappointing news”.

Councillor Simon Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural) said: “A lot of people worked hard alongside Sainsbury’s and have been rewarded with endless delays and I really can’t see it getting any better.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for employment, skills and culture, maintained a hopeful note: “We are obviously very disappointed to hear this news from Sainsbury’s, but we will continue to work with them to encourage them to make the development happen as soon as possible,” she said.

Comments(31)

angry bradfordian says...
7:28am Thu 14 Mar 13

I don't understand why Sainsbury's have lead people 'up the garden path'
They must have been pretty serious about building something if they spent a significant amount on the building.

It makes a change from most proposed supermarkets that this one was described as 'desperately needed' when most small towns actively campaign against the building of new stores.

Report this post »

Avro says...
8:03am Thu 14 Mar 13

So thats 2014 ruled out too, and a possibility that it may not happen at all, and in the meantime Bingley is left with an unproductive swathe of land at its heart., Now where have were seen that before which is still the case 10 years later!

You simply could not make it up!

Report this post »

danger mouse says...
8:35am Thu 14 Mar 13

Room for a couple of supermarkets in Shipley tho!! What a joke and a poor excuse

Report this post »

collos25 says...
9:11am Thu 14 Mar 13

angry bradfordian wrote:
I don't understand why Sainsbury's have lead people 'up the garden path'
They must have been pretty serious about building something if they spent a significant amount on the building.

It makes a change from most proposed supermarkets that this one was described as 'desperately needed' when most small towns actively campaign against the building of new stores.
Sainsburys have lead nobody up the garden path all supermarket chains buy up property all the time just in case,they may build on it or they may not but it stops rival companies from accessing the area.The only people who have lead you up the garden path are the TA for making a big story when really its an every day occurance.

Report this post »

markjoe says...
10:06am Thu 14 Mar 13

It appears to be that they have only bought this to stop Tesco, who are willing to build a supermarket in Bingley but at the Auction Mart. The government\council need to but into the planning approve that the project is completed within a appropriate time frame otherwise heavy fines will be imposed, should get things moving.

Report this post »

sorrow&anger says...
10:12am Thu 14 Mar 13

Another Westfield; another derelict town centre site ruining everything around it. When is City Hall going to find an effective way of dealing with big business?

Cllr. Hinchcliffe has hardly come out fighting, “we are very disappointed,” she says. So are we all. The question is what, apart from wringing her hands, is she going to do about it?

Unless she and City Hall find ways of controlling property developers then the Odeon, the old police station and Buck Lane will become yet more patches of blight disfiguring our once great city.

Report this post »

Upinthills says...
10:17am Thu 14 Mar 13

Bingley doesn't need a supermarket in the centre, it will kill local trade.
It needs decent shops but with rents sky high, council tax for small businesses not discounted and pay and display everywhere who will come?

Report this post »

justjustice says...
11:05am Thu 14 Mar 13

Even Sainsburys do not think it is wise to invest in the Bradford district.

Should this not be a wake up call to the councils? First Westfield Broadway being mothballed and sold off; then Keighley's site being delayed by 6 months, and now this.
Not forgetting all the businesses that had to close due to the recession and Westfield, and probably other projects which have been cancelled; it seems the Bradford District is in big trouble.

A while ago we found out that Thatcher was actually thinking of abandoning Liverpool, evacuating an entire city as it seemed there was no solution in site. If you ask me this may be a "solution" for Bradford, it's future seems too bleak, if it even has one.

Report this post »

Albion. says...
11:10am Thu 14 Mar 13

markjoe wrote:
It appears to be that they have only bought this to stop Tesco, who are willing to build a supermarket in Bingley but at the Auction Mart. The government\council need to but into the planning approve that the project is completed within a appropriate time frame otherwise heavy fines will be imposed, should get things moving.
Exactly! And now there is no reason not to give Tesco the go ahead.
This is very much a let down to Bingley from Sainsbury's....time to go with a company who will get on with things.

Report this post »

Wackford says...
11:11am Thu 14 Mar 13

No surprise really. Most operators are now concentrating on convenience stores. The worst part is that Sainsbury's made umpteen promises during the lead up to getting planning approval saying how committed they were to Bingley and that they would start on site promptly. It is clear that they have seriously mislead everyone including councillors and planners as they managed to negotiate a soft deal, just like Westfield, and are now refusing to commit to a start date.
It would perhaps be best for everyone if they cut their losses and sold the site to another operator who would get on with the job as these constant delays are hindering any possible improvement in the town's offer.

Report this post »

Andrew_ide says...
11:18am Thu 14 Mar 13

At least they could turn part of the building into a Sainsbury's local and the look to rent out the office space above to encourage business into Bingley.

Report this post »

West Yorkshire says...
11:45am Thu 14 Mar 13

The council should have allowed Tesco to build on the Auction Mart when they wanted, but in their pearl of wisdom they decided not to. It was obvious Sainsburys were not going to build on the old B&B site. Right from the start they had local opposition complaining about trees etc, so it does really serve the council right that this is not going ahead. I will just continue to shop in Guiseley where they have a lovely supermarket and local shops to choose from and only take 15 minutes over the moor!

Report this post »

BD16 says...
12:23pm Thu 14 Mar 13

justjustice wrote:
Even Sainsburys do not think it is wise to invest in the Bradford district. Should this not be a wake up call to the councils? First Westfield Broadway being mothballed and sold off; then Keighley's site being delayed by 6 months, and now this. Not forgetting all the businesses that had to close due to the recession and Westfield, and probably other projects which have been cancelled; it seems the Bradford District is in big trouble. A while ago we found out that Thatcher was actually thinking of abandoning Liverpool, evacuating an entire city as it seemed there was no solution in site. If you ask me this may be a "solution" for Bradford, it's future seems too bleak, if it even has one.
Don't you realise that Westfield have put a sign up as a show of intent? So said the T&A on wednesday on a story that nobody could comment on......

Report this post »

RonnieRhino says...
12:34pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Just wish they'd sell on if they aren't going to build a new store.

That Building is a disgrace now, anybody who comes in to the centre of Bingley must think it's a right dump when looking at that.

Rumours though that Aldi or Lidl are opening a small store across the road from the Co-Op, by the car park area?

Report this post »

MontyLeMar says...
3:07pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Not surprising really is it? Just looked on Google Maps and the whole B&B site is not even as big as Morrisons Enterprise 5 store so no room for parking except in expensive underground parking lots. The whole site is too cramped for a serious superstore. Much better to sell the site to Morrisons who are looking for convenience store sites. Better still, let's rip down the tins and start a squat.

Report this post »

Andy2010 says...
5:01pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Bradford Council have once again shown they are no match for Corporate big boys who know what they are on about. Mind you they couldnt get a job even stacking shelves in their supermarkets.

Why not just resurrect the building and encourage business to the area not retail. Bingley thrived in the B&B employees and since these have left although the town is doing ok it could be doing a lot better. Im sure quite a few businesses would be interested in the offices so why not market as that

Once again just shows the council not up to the job as why werent stipulations placed on the planning that building had to commence by a certain date.

Like I said up against businesses that actually know what they are on about the muppets at the council (all of it) are like rabbits in headlights

Report this post »

Andy2010 says...
5:03pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Andy2010 wrote:
Bradford Council have once again shown they are no match for Corporate big boys who know what they are on about. Mind you they couldnt get a job even stacking shelves in their supermarkets.

Why not just resurrect the building and encourage business to the area not retail. Bingley thrived in the B&B employees and since these have left although the town is doing ok it could be doing a lot better. Im sure quite a few businesses would be interested in the offices so why not market as that

Once again just shows the council not up to the job as why werent stipulations placed on the planning that building had to commence by a certain date.

Like I said up against businesses that actually know what they are on about the muppets at the council (all of it) are like rabbits in headlights
Just reinforces the fact that people that are too retarded to work in the private sector....get jobs in the council

Report this post »

Albion. says...
5:16pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Andy2010 wrote:
Andy2010 wrote:
Bradford Council have once again shown they are no match for Corporate big boys who know what they are on about. Mind you they couldnt get a job even stacking shelves in their supermarkets.

Why not just resurrect the building and encourage business to the area not retail. Bingley thrived in the B&B employees and since these have left although the town is doing ok it could be doing a lot better. Im sure quite a few businesses would be interested in the offices so why not market as that

Once again just shows the council not up to the job as why werent stipulations placed on the planning that building had to commence by a certain date.

Like I said up against businesses that actually know what they are on about the muppets at the council (all of it) are like rabbits in headlights
Just reinforces the fact that people that are too retarded to work in the private sector....get jobs in the council
The council don't own it.

Report this post »

COATSFORGOALPOSTS says...
6:32pm Thu 14 Mar 13

I am a Bingley resident and in no way a Commercial or Development expert in regard to Property law, but I have to agree with many comments above, in regard to, why didn't the person/s responsible for negotiations write into any contractual agreement? A start date, financial penalty clauses for any delays and a final date. With immediate planning permission in principle for any alternate interested Supermarket or other business users. Surely then Sainsburys intent may have been more honest? In my naive humble opinion, not rocket science, is it?

Report this post »

collos25 says...
7:56pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Its a private company which has bought some land from another private company why should they be subgeSct to any more regulations than anybody else.They have bought the land and can do with it what they like.

Report this post »

Albion. says...
8:04pm Thu 14 Mar 13

collos25 wrote:
Its a private company which has bought some land from another private company why should they be subgeSct to any more regulations than anybody else.They have bought the land and can do with it what they like.
Exactly! There are stalled or not-started building projects all over this country and Europe, the only major shopping development to be completed this year, in western Europe, is the one in Leeds. Planning permission does have a time limit anyway.

Report this post »

Commonsensefirst says...
9:07pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Probably the right decision in the current climate. However, I'd like to see some supermarkets take over the high street placing a selection of food in one shop, clothes in another and so on. They could re-establish the high street as a place worth visiting helping the local economy.

Report this post »

cockadoodledo says...
9:16pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Well our local councillors are all so quiet! What a let down in Bingley for us all.The prices at the Coop are a complete joke.Anyway heard a very reliable information that Aldi will soon be here! Watch the space below the Coop!

Report this post »

thatsnotmyname says...
11:09pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Wish urban splash would take over this place. It reminds me of some buildings in Blade runner.

Report this post »

Not so simple says...
1:57am Fri 15 Mar 13

Bingley: pound land, bookies and cheap low end supermarkets coming soon.

Report this post »

TheRealBobBob says...
12:04pm Fri 15 Mar 13

Being a resident of Bingley (and a former B&B Employee) I feel that it is my duty to try and do something about the former B&B building in the centre of our town, so I propose the following... http://igg.me/at/Ban
dB/x/2441770
Please send the link to as many of your friends as you can so that we can reclaim the building for the community rather than for a supermarket giant that has no real interest in our town!

Report this post »

Albion. says...
1:52pm Fri 15 Mar 13

TheRealBobBob wrote:
Being a resident of Bingley (and a former B&B Employee) I feel that it is my duty to try and do something about the former B&B building in the centre of our town, so I propose the following... http://igg.me/at/Ban

dB/x/2441770
Please send the link to as many of your friends as you can so that we can reclaim the building for the community rather than for a supermarket giant that has no real interest in our town!
You are being ridiculous.

Report this post »

bingleytrader says...
5:04pm Sun 17 Mar 13

Sainsburys will not build on this land untill there hand is forced if local goverment can't force them then get behind Tesco's I suspect we will see sainsburys have a sudden change of mind. For those of you that seem to think a supermarket or supermarkets will affect trade in bingley for the worse just take a look at keighley where the majority of bingley residents do there shopping do really think the people of bingley go there then come back to do the remainder of their shopping in bingley.
If you have real doubts then speak to the keighley town center manager he will tell you supermarkets bring trade to town centers as well as keeping locals in there home town the last thing he wants is for bingley to get a major supermarket or two as he knows this will take trade away from keighley. I think its time the people and traders of bingley woke up and got behind as many projects that wiil help keep & bring people shopping in bingley.

Report this post »

Commonsensefirst says...
5:23pm Sun 17 Mar 13

bingleytrader wrote:
Sainsburys will not build on this land untill there hand is forced if local goverment can't force them then get behind Tesco's I suspect we will see sainsburys have a sudden change of mind. For those of you that seem to think a supermarket or supermarkets will affect trade in bingley for the worse just take a look at keighley where the majority of bingley residents do there shopping do really think the people of bingley go there then come back to do the remainder of their shopping in bingley.
If you have real doubts then speak to the keighley town center manager he will tell you supermarkets bring trade to town centers as well as keeping locals in there home town the last thing he wants is for bingley to get a major supermarket or two as he knows this will take trade away from keighley. I think its time the people and traders of bingley woke up and got behind as many projects that wiil help keep & bring people shopping in bingley.
The boss of Tesco recently admitted that supermarkets had made a significant impact on the high street - so I don't know where you're coming from. I believe he referred to so-called .

Report this post »

COATSFORGOALPOSTS says...
6:56pm Sun 17 Mar 13

I believe a Supermarket opening in Bingley would increase the footfall and benefit most of the other small businesses and sole traders, some may unfortunately fall victim, however, I am basing this presumption on my past experience in retail in that other outlets opening stores selling the same / similar product range improved our pricing and service experience to consumers, as we had to be more competetive. The Co-op for one would have to cease taking advantage of horrendous pricing to many who are a captive audience to 'convenience shopping'. I know there are questions of traffic and noise pollution, also parking and they you would have hoped been wholly considered during the Planning stage/s, however I for one would prefer the heart of the Bingley community and its offering continue to beat healthy and avoid Bradford Westfielditis spreading like a potential environmental disease affecting businesses and homeowners alike. I respect everyone has an opinion but mine is, the positives would outweigh the negatives. So whoever is accountable and responsible for negotiating, please collaborate effectively and do whatever it takes to make a win win outcome happen & sooner rather than later. :)

Report this post »

bingleytrader says...
10:52am Mon 18 Mar 13

I can't see why some people are so worried by a supermarket opening do you honestly think that the people of Bingley and surrounding areas do there shopping in the town at present no they leave to go elsewhere and once they have finished doing there main shopping they then go look at the independent retailers in the same town
If we had a supermarket or two there is more chance of those shoppers staying and using our independents
As long as we stay competitive provide products that are different and of good quality then the increased foot fall can only do good in fact I can't think of many Bingley retailers that would be affected in an adverse way as most of us are already fairly specialised anyway or provide a higher quality product than available in the majority of supermarkets
One final point if you where in Bingley a couple of weekends ago when the weather was bad you will have noticed the town was a lot busier than normal as the out of town shoppers stayed local was this a sign of what things could be like

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree